RN, Jul 1, 2004

CE Center

Taking the fifth (vital sign)

By Karen J. Lafleur, RN, MSN, CCRN, CCRC

Despite the heightened awareness of the importance of pain management, many patients fail to get the optimal relief. You can help reverse that pattern.

Trauma nursing: Amputation

By Amy S. Clontz, RN,C, MSN , Darla Annonio, RN, MSN , Lisa Walker, RN, CCRN, MSN, CRNP

An accident that severs a finger or limb can result in significant disability, but reattachment is often possible. Giving your patient the best possible nursing care will go a long way toward restoring function.

Vent injury: How to avoid it

By Douglas Mitchell, RN, MSN

Ventilator patients are not only at risk for pressure-induced barotrauma, but for injury related to high tidal volumes, as well. Recent studies suggest changes in protocol that can lower the risk.

Acute Care Focus

Critical Care Close-Up

By Joanne M. Krumberger, RN, MSN, FAAN

Patients first!

Using technology to improve patient flow

Diversion rates. Patient and staff satisfaction. Patient safety. What do these three things have in common? They all hinge on the efficiency of your ED's patient flow.

Balancing Act

Balancing Act: Back to school? Nurses say: You bet!

Juggling work, school, and family is a long, hard journey, but many nurses who take this route find it well worth the effort.

Clinical Highlights

Albumin Vs. Normal Saline For Fluid Resuscitation: Is There A Difference In Risk?

Frequent Sex Might Actually Decrease Men's Risk Of Prostate Cancer

Innovations in Practice: Students Take Herbals Yet Know Little About Them

Marijuana Abuse And Dependence Is On The Rise

Study Dispels Worries Over Laparoscopic Approach to Colon Cancer Surgery

This Gene Mutation Can Predict Which Lung CA Patients Will Respond To Gefitinib

Consult Stat

Toxic ingestions * Cytotoxic drugs * Decubitus ulcers

Drug Update

Despite Warnings, These Two L&D Drugs Are Still Confused

Drug Roundup

Pain Clinic: A Migraine Alternative Without Weight Gain

Pancreatic Drugs Need FDA Approval To Stay On Market

This Pain Reliever Has Fewer Side Effects In Postop Patients

Ethics in Action

Ethics in Action: Deciding for others

By Amy Haddad, RN, PhD

Your patient is a frail elderly woman with dementia whose only child lives far away. Whenever you need a decision from him, he'll impatiently ask, "What do you think is best?" and then quickly agree. Now, his mother has developed GI bleeding and the doctor wants to do exploratory surgery. When you notify the son, he retreats to his habitual question. What would you do?

Editor's Memo

Bidding for work?

By Marya Ostrowski

Nursing is not "casual labor," and patient care shouldn't hinge on a bidding war.

Feature Articles

A lesson in nursing

By Anne Nowlin, RN, BSN

A special individual taught this nurse that each patient is a person in need, and not just a bed with a diagnosis.

What's wrong with this patient?

By Mark Barry, LPN, PMAC, LPRT

The clues: a chronic foot ulcer, dead and devitalized tissue, drainage of pus through the skin, and general feelings of malaise. If you were Mr. Blaine's nurse, would know what was causing these signs and symptoms?

Hospital Focus

New Products - Hospital Focus

Office Nurse

From the AAON President

By Debra Wagener, RN

Your guide to OSHA regulations

By Wayne Guglielmo

Complaints are on the rise, especially in the area of infection control. We'll tell you how to keep your office on the right side of the law.

Risk Management

Advice of Counsel

Professional Update

Court Upholds Assisted Suicide In Oregon